Veteran 'fell between services' before death

A former soldier who suffered serious injuries in Afghanistan and struggled with chronic pain and PTSD before his death appears to have "fallen between services", a coroner found.

Richard Preece, 42, was found dead at his home in Aylesford in June 2025 after years of concerns about self-neglect and his deteriorating wellbeing.

Jyoti Gill, assistant coroner for Kent and Medway, said in a prevention of future deaths report there had been three safeguarding referrals linked to Preece between 2022 and 2025.

The coroner said opportunities to share information, co-ordinate agency responses and assess his needs "appear to have been missed" and warned there was a risk "future deaths may occur".

Concerns about Preece included hoarding, poor personal care, social isolation, anxiety, chronic pain, financial difficulties and disengagement from services, the report said.

It found there had been no timely escalation to a multi-agency meeting despite the repeated referrals.

The coroner said Adult Social Care was attempting to assess Preece but no earlier formal multi-agency review took place.

Gill said evidence suggested an earlier multi-agency self-neglect review may have been beneficial, with the first consideration of such a meeting only coming shortly before Preece was found dead.

Preece served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before being medically discharged following serious injuries sustained during service.

The injuries left him with chronic pain, mobility difficulties and the need for multiple back operations.

Evidence from his sister said he also struggled with PTSD and adapting to civilian life.

Preece lived alone in accommodation for former service personnel in Aylesford run in part by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

RBLI staff and social services arranged a home visit on 30 June 2025 after he could not be contacted.

When they entered the property, they found the veteran dead on a sofa, heavily decomposed.

The report said there was extensive evidence of hoarding inside the home, with the floor obscured by takeaway boxes, bin bags and other items.

An inquest concluded Preece died from drug toxicity after taking a fatal level of medication, although the intention remained unclear.

Gill said she was concerned vulnerable adults who repeatedly decline support may not be subject to a structured multi-agency review of escalating safeguarding concerns.

Kent County Council said in response it had strengthened multi-agency working, staff guidance and safeguarding processes following the inquest.

A council spokesperson said: "We welcome the publication of the coroner's prevention of future deaths report following the inquest into the tragic death of Richard Preece.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Mr Preece's family, friends and all those affected by his death.

"We remain committed to learning from this case and working with partners to improve support for vulnerable adults and help prevent similar tragedies in the future."

The authority said it had introduced enhanced training, adopted Multi-Agency Review Meeting procedures and strengthened partnership working with the Royal British Veterans' Enterprise, including monthly drop-in sessions and regular case reviews.

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